Lynx at a glance: Here are the two matchups Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said are the most important in this game: Maya Moore vs. DeWanna Bonner, and Seimone Augustus vs. Diana Taurasi. In a 90-74 victory vs. Connecticut in the opener, Moore and Augustus took turns dominating the game, combining to score 46 points on 20-for-32 shooting (4-for-7 on three-pointers). It will be up to Moore, Augustus — and guard Lindsay Whalen — to beat their defender off the dribble, perhaps create penetration that will force the Mercury to rotate on defense. That is the best way to negate the defensive presence of Mercury rookie center Brittney Griner.

Mercury at a glance: It still is early, but the Mercury figures to be especially focused in this game. Phoenix was the preseason pick by many to win the league title but has started the season 0-2. One reason is health. Star forward Penny Taylor still is working to come back from a torn left ACL sustained while playing in Turkey in 2012. Taylor, who missed the 2012 WNBA season, appears close — she is listed as day-to-day. Four Mercury players are averaging 12 points or betters, led by rookie center Griner (17.0 points), Candice Dupree (16.5) and Taurasi (14.0). Griner is leading the league in blocks per game (3.5).